WATANABE YASUJI AND YUKIMURA HARUKI: ROPE AND ROMANTICISM

Shin Kou Sabre was photographed by Watanabe Yasuji with kinbaku by Yukimura Haruki.

ROPE AND ROMANTICISM - Photo Shoot 2011 May (Toyko Japan)

The common reaction to those who are unfamiliar with kinbaku/shibari (緊縛/縛り) is either excitement or fear. Fear from those who do not understand it. Excitement for those who are curious.

In history kinbaku (緊縛) has been used in the military followed by martial artists as a means to restrain someone. In recent times it is used as rope bondage or artistically to produce elaborate patterns.

For me personally the journey has been self discovery. In Yukimura sensei’s words he explores the use of the rope as a means to form a connection. The rope is like an extension of himself to evoke an emotion, to reveal what is hidden.

The difficult part is to let go and allow that connection. The kinbaku is not about pretty patterns or technical skill. It goes beyond that. Once the technique has been mastered, the rope through the master serves two purposes. One is to bring the emotion to the surface whether it is shame, fear, pain, excitement or pleasure. The other is to communicate a relationship of mutual trust and respect.

Watanabe Yasuji (渡邊安治) the photographer captured those emotions as they unfolded, an exchange within that moment. The images although only express a moment in time will be a lasting memory for those who had the privilege to experience it firsthand.

Thank you to Watanabe Yasuji (渡邊安治), Yukimura Haruki (雪村春樹), Harukichi and Nuit de Tokyo and of course my partner. I am looking forward to returning to Japan and creating some movies with Yukimura Haruki (雪村春樹), and photographs with Watanabe Yasuji (渡邊安治).

Watanabe Yasuji was the chief editor of the Japanese magazine SM Sniper which was first launched thirty years ago. The magazine has since closed down due to the economic downturn in 2008. Watanabe Yasuji's photographic work has been featured in many solo exhibitions, magazines and his most recent book "Akai Hana" featuring Yukimura Haruki.

Yukimura Haruki is one of the greatest Japanese Shihan of Kinbaku (緊縛師範) Grandmaster of Kinbaku. He produces many video programs and is the author of numerous beautiful books. Haruki Yukimura appeared in the documentary "Bakushi" directed by Hiroki Ryuichi.